Sunflower lanyards for hidden disabilities

What are sunflower lanyards?

Have you heard of the sunflower lanyards? A green lanyard covered with bright sunflowers, these lanyards discreetly let staff at many places know you, or someone in your family, has a hidden disability and may require additional assistance.

The additional assistance could include being escorted through areas with long queues, a briefing of what to expect, provide more time or anything that would support you and your family.

Which businesses have the sunflower lanyard scheme?

Gatwick Airport appears to be the business who first introduced the scheme. Since then many other airports, including Edinburgh Airport, have followed suit. Similarly, train provider LNER has introduced the scheme.

Other businesses such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s are starting to trial the lanyard in stores.

“We’re delighted Sainsbury’s is trialling this lanyard scheme,” Nikki Barton from Gatwick Airport, said during the initial launch of the lanyards at Sainsbury’s.

“We have found that being in an airport terminal can often be a daunting experience for those with hidden disabilities. The lanyards are a discreet way of bringing hidden disabilities to the attention of staff, which ultimately gives our passengers and their families reassurance and confidence that they will quickly receive the support they need. By working with Sainsbury’s and using the same lanyard design, we hope to set the precedent for other retailers to follow suit.”

How can I get a sunflower lanyard?

The lanyards can be ordered in advance from businesses participating in the scheme, or picked up at the customer service or special assistance desks. They are free, you don’t need to prove you, or someone in your family, have a hidden disability and you can keep the lanyard for use in other participating businesses.

Who has tried the sunflower scheme?

While it’s been around for years, the scheme has recently become more talked about after a mother wearing the lanyard for her son was able to avoid the long queues in airport security. You can read about her experience here.

The scheme is recognised and supported by a number of charities; the RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/) , National Autistic Society, Alzheimer’s Society and Action on Hearing Loss.